Harison's Yellow is a Rosa Foedita (ie, stinky), one of the Persian yellow roses. They like dry climates. I saw a lot of it when I lived in Santa Fe. It's a once/spring only bloomer.

'Harison's Yellow' is not actually a climber, but it is a pretty rank grower so if there is something nearby it will probably clamber over it..

It's really a "plant it and forget it" rose - almost a species (although technically it is a hybrid). It's one of the feature roses of the Heritage Rose District of NYC- it was originally discovered there back in the early 1800's. It does tend to sucker a lot, so if you plant it in your garden, keep that in mind. Otherwise, it's easy and not particular at all.

In fact. it was so easy that cuttings were carried west by the early settlers and you see it all over now. So it certainlycould be the one from your childhood.

Some people compare the "fragrance" to linseed oil, which is probably the closest description of it. Not your typical rose fragrance.